U.S. Customs seizes counterfeit cigarettes worth $729,000 in Texas

U.S. Customs and Border Protection confiscated a shipment of counterfeit cigarettes worth over $729,000. The shipment, originating from Vietnam, was intercepted in Laredo, Texas, after being put on hold at Miami Seaport. The 17,500 cartons of cigarettes had fake markings, which were discovered by import specialists. Port Director Albert Flores of Laredo Port of Entry commended the officers for their diligence in preventing counterfeit goods from entering the U.S. market. If the cigarettes had been sold as authentic, the shipment would have been valued at $729,400. CBP has the authority to seize and destroy imported merchandise with infringing trademarks. This enforcement is crucial in protecting the economy, businesses, workers, and consumers from counterfeit products. Last year, CBP officers in Chicago seized over 3.2 million banned Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems valued at $81.5 million. Many of these unauthorized shipments came from China, violating FDA regulations. Additionally, a Chinese national was extradited to the U.S. from Australia for involvement in North Korea’s counterfeit cigarette operation, which reportedly funds its nuclear programs.